Machine for installing inserts in container lids

Abstract

A machine for installing disk-like inserts in container lids having axially directed flanges includes an indexing table on which several lid holders are mounted. The table moves the lid holders into and out of several stations. At the first station the lids are loaded into the holder which maintains them in an upright disposition with their flanges projected outwardly. At another station punches blank the inserts from sheet material, while plungers carry the blanked inserts forwardly beyond the punches and deposit them in the lids. The plungers have rigid forward faces provided with vacuum ports to that atmospheric air holds the blanked inserts against the plungers. As the plungers approach the lids at this station, they pass through apertures which are smaller than the inserts, and as a consequence the peripheral portions of the inserts are turned backwardly. This enables the inserts to enter the flanges of their respective lids without acquiring wrinkles and further enables them to maintain a centered disposition. At a subsequent station, seating heads move into the lids and deform the peripheral portions of the inserts into annular depressions in the lids. This has the further effect of ironing out the inserts at their peripheral portions to insure the complete absence of wrinkles and irregularities and also directs the peripheral edges of the inserts behind shoulders on the flanges of their respective lids. At the final station the lids are discharged.